Palakkad: The disbursal of monthly wages under the Ashwasakiranam project, a welfare scheme for caregivers of individuals with physical or mental disabilities, including bedridden patients, has been stalled for eight months in the state.

Currently, as many as 28,411 beneficiaries are still awaiting their payments under the scheme, which is implemented through the State Social Security Mission. The government now requires approximately ₹6.55 crore to clear the pending dues.

The monthly assistance provided through the scheme is ₹600, a modest but vital source of support for caregivers who are unable to take up regular employment due to their round-the-clock responsibilities. However, the state has not released even this meagre amount in recent months, despite growing demand to increase the monthly stipend to at least ₹1,600.

Officials of the Social Security Mission said that efforts were underway to clear the arrears before Onam.